Life can get really loud. The constant notifications, work demands, personal commitments, and floods of information can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from ourselves. In today’s hectic life, finding a moment of peace to experience the stillness of life has increasingly become important. But never easy. So, these days, to come up with a solution to have peace of mind, people opt for retreats—places that offer a break from the noise and provide a chance to restore physical, mental, and emotional balance.
Wellness retreats provide people with a crucial respite to rejuvenate and heal beyond their status as simple luxuries. The wellness sanctuary Aro Hā emerges today as one of the top retreat centers destined for 2025. The retreat exists in New Zealand’s Southern Alps mountains while combining modern wellness approaches with traditional practices to provide transformative healing for life revitalization. Guests who visit Aro Hā find a space to recover their health as they reconnect with purpose and restore their joy through experiences of nature and simplicity and stillness.
The vision behind this retreat stems from its Founder, Damian Chaparro, who devoted his life to wellness exploration. His multidimensional experience in yoga, mindfulness, and holistic living practices has enabled him to establish a location where therapeutic transformations become a natural thing. Aro Hā exceeds the status of a retreat for Damian since it functions as a living system that leads visitors through self-discovery within a space built for development and therapeutic changes.
Let’s read on to understand how Aro Hā’s unique approach blends nature, science, and ancient wisdom to create a truly revitalizing journey for its guests!
The Creation of Aro Hā
“Aro Hā was born out of a deep desire to create a place where transformation feels not only possible but inevitable,” says Damian, reflecting on the retreat’s origins. His vision was to build a sanctuary where nature, science, and ancient wisdom converge to offer guests a seamless and authentic experience. The retreat’s aim was clear: to help individuals reconnect with what is most important—health, purpose, presence, and joy—and to provide them with the necessary tools to cultivate these values in their everyday lives.
This vision emerged from Damian’s own journey, one of exploration, self-discovery, and healing. “We wanted to craft a place where nature, science, and ancient wisdom meet in an environment that feels effortlessly healing,” he explains. His personal experiences with yoga, mindfulness, and immersive, holistic living were the foundation for this retreat, which emphasizes the importance of simplicity and reconnecting with nature.
From Seeker to Teacher
“My own path was one of exploration—of consciousness, movement, and the systems that shape our wellbeing,” he says. For years, he explored various methods of personal growth, including yoga and mindfulness, always seeking a deeper understanding of life. While teachers and books provided some insights, it was through direct, immersive experiences that Damian found the most profound revelations. This journey of self-exploration and learning ultimately led him to create Aro Hā—a space that embodies the idea that healing and clarity arise from returning to nature and simplicity.
Damian’s philosophy is simple, true wellness is not something that is taught but rather something that is remembered. By immersing oneself in nature and engaging in practices that nurture body and mind, individuals can rediscover their innate vitality. “This retreat became a way to share what I was discovering: that healing and clarity are available to all of us when we return to simplicity, to nature, and to ourselves,” he shares.
Cultivating and Remembering Well-being
At Aro Hā, wellness is not just something to be pursued—it’s something to be cultivated and remembered. This approach is rooted in the belief that well-being exists within us all, waiting to be awakened. “Well-being is something that can be both cultivated, and remembered,” he reflects, emphasizing the balance between effort and surrender. This philosophy is integral to the retreat’s design, which aims to strip away the distractions of modern life and allow guests to reconnect with their true selves.
The experience is one of immersion—where guests can restore their health, quiet their minds, and find deep clarity. “We create immersive experiences that remind people of their innate vitality,” he says. This approach ensures that well-being is not just a fleeting experience but something guests can take with them long after they leave.
A Living System
What makes Aro Hā truly unique is its commitment to being a living, regenerative system that nourishes guests both ecologically and energetically. “Aro Hā is a living system. It’s regenerative, both ecologically and energetically,” he explains. Every element of the retreat—from the plant-based meals to the guided movement sessions and breathwork—has been designed to provide a comprehensive, nurturing experience. The retreat combines the latest wellness research with ancient healing practices, creating an authentic space for guests to heal and thrive.
“The retreat invites you to do the important work of nourishing, strengthening, and healing,” he shares. This deep integration of nature, science, and tradition ensures that the experience is not only rejuvenating but also lasting. It is about awakening to a new way of thriving—one that is sustainable and regenerative.
The Five Pillars of Wellness
The philosophy of Aro Hā is built upon five essential pillars that are seamlessly involved into the daily experience, creating a holistic approach that supports guests’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. “We focus on five pillars: mindfulness, movement, nourishment, nature, and connection. These elements are woven through each day in a way that supports nervous system regulation, metabolic reset, and emotional resilience,” says Damian.
The aim is not just to treat symptoms but to create coherence within the body, mind, and heart. “Our aim is to create coherence within the body, between the mind and heart, and between each guest and the world around them,” he shares. This comprehensive approach ensures that the retreat experience is both grounding and transformative.
A Life-changing Experience
Transformation often occurs in the quieter, more subtle moments—whether it’s a breakthrough during a mountain hike, a moment of stillness, or a conversation around the communal table. “Transformation often happens in the in-between moments: a breakthrough on a mountain hike, a tear released in stillness, a sense of belonging sparked around the communal table,” he explains. Guests arrive feeling worn out or disconnected but leave feeling radiant, balanced, and profoundly renewed.
Many guests experience physical healing, emotional release, or a sense of reconnection with their vitality. “We’ve seen people reverse chronic conditions, release long-held emotional pain, or simply remember what it feels like to be truly alive,” Damian reflects. For him, it’s this lasting transformation that makes this place so powerful. It’s not about an escape; it’s about a return to one’s true essence.
Nature as a Healing Force
At Aro Hā, nature is not just a backdrop—it is a co-facilitator of the healing process. “Nature is not a backdrop here—it’s a co-facilitator of the healing process,” says Damian. Every day begins with movement and silence, followed by activities that immerse guests in the beauty of the natural world. Whether it’s a hike through ancient forests or practicing yoga with stunning lake views, nature’s presence supports and amplifies the retreat’s healing intentions.
Innovating for 2025
Aro Hā continues to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of its guests. “With over 30k hours of training, our team loves staying on the edge,” Damian shares. The retreat blends timeless practices with the latest science to create powerful, lasting experiences.
In 2025, Aro Hā is bringing in new insights from neurobiology, circadian science, and trauma-informed care. The retreat is now an IFS-informed experience (Internal Family Systems), offering both group and one-on-one sessions led by Damian and his wife. These sessions help guests explore and heal parts of themselves in a supportive space.
While Aro Hā stays grounded in nature, mindfulness, and movement, it also stays flexible. New programs are being added for men, families, and people recovering from burnout, making the retreat more inclusive and supportive for different life stages and needs.
Also coming in 2025 is Think Week—a special retreat designed for corporate professionals. “This year we’re excited to introduce Think Week—a retreat series that aligns with corporate types using nature’s backdrop as a place to cultivate creativity and nurture mental resilience,” Damian says. It’s a chance for leaders and creatives to step away from the noise, reset, and find new inspiration in nature.
Rediscovering the Present Moment
In today’s digitally connected world, Aro Hā offers a much-needed opportunity for guests to disconnect. “We create a space where digital disconnection feels like a relief, not a rule,” says Damian. The retreat encourages guests to leave their devices behind and fully engage in the present moment. Without the constant pull of technology, they rediscover the richness of real human connection and the power of silence.
For those unable to attend a retreat, Damian recommends simple, everyday practices that can lead to wellness. “Start with the basics: move your body daily, eat plants, spend time outside, and practice presence,” he suggests. Even small moments of breathwork or taking a walk barefoot on the earth can help cultivate well-being. “Wellness doesn’t require a retreat, just a return to what’s natural,” he emphasizes.
Damian’s Approach to Wellness
For Damian, staying grounded is about tuning into the body, mind, and environment. “I listen. I tune in to what my body, my mind, and the environment are telling me,” he says. He values stillness—whether through hiking, meditation, or simply pausing between tasks—and places great importance on community and connection to nature. “I keep returning to curiosity—what’s needed right now to thrive?” he reflects, showing that balance is not a destination but a continual process.
Stories of Change
This place is home to many transformative stories, one of which Damian shares in detail. “On the final day, he said he remembered what it felt like to be human again,” he recalls of a guest who came to the retreat burdened by grief. Over the course of the retreat, this guest experienced emotional healing and deep connection, leaving feeling revitalized. These stories of transformation are a testament to the lasting impact on its guests.
Why Aro Hā is the Perfect Place for Your Wellness Journey
For those looking to start their wellness journey, Aro Hā is the ideal place to begin. “We meet you exactly where you are,” Damian says. The retreat offers a safe, supportive environment where guests can heal, reset, and reconnect with their highest selves. “It’s not about escaping life—it’s about returning to it, more awake and more connected than ever before,” he shares, underscoring Aro Hā’s mission to foster transformation that lasts beyond the retreat.
